“There is a letter for you,” said Boguslav.
Harasimovich bowed to the prince, and then to Pan Andrei, who gave him the letter.
“Read it!” said Prince Boguslav.
Harasimovich began to read,—
“Pan Harasimovich! Now is the time to show the good will of a faithful servant to his lord. As whatever money you are able to collect, you in Zabludovo and Pan Pjinski in Orel—”
“The confederates have slain Pan Pjinski in Orel, for which reason Pan Harasimovich has taken to his heels,” interrupted the prince.
The under-starosta bowed and read further,—
“—and Pan Pjinski in Orel, even the public revenue, even the excise, rent—”
“The confederates have already taken them,” interrupted Boguslav again.
“—send me at once,” continued Harasimovich. “If you can mortgage some villages to neighbors or townspeople, obtaining as much money on them as possible, do so, and whatever means there may be of obtaining money, do your best in the matter, and send the money to me. Send horses and whatever effects there are in Orel. There is a great candlestick too, and other things,—pictures, ornaments, and especially the cannons on the porch at my cousins; for robbers may be feared—”